Nataraj Chaitanya (Jimmy Burgio) is a Chicago based yoga and meditation instructor who is offering pay-as-you-wish lessons at Bowery Yoga from August 12-30. We spoke with this master yogi about why he decided to leave Equinox, the philosophy of yoga, and his favorite “cool” NYC spot.
You mentioned on your Instagram that you just left your position at Equinox due to the company owner’s fundraising efforts for President Trump. Tell us about that decision.
In the current social and political climate I have often felt a sense of powerlessness with the way the world is headed. When met with such an intense circumstance that was against my values, it was a simple choice to do what I could to not my objection to the fundraiser and the trump administration while bringing awareness to how we can more consciously engage as consumers.
I’m currently in NYC directing a yoga teacher training program. I opened up the morning practice portion of that program to the public as a way to show what I think is important. [Click here for more about these by-donation NYC yoga and meditation lessons]
How has your dancing background informed/complemented your yoga practice and vice versa?
Growing up as a dancer, dance was the first medium through which I experienced real joy, contentment, and divinity. We are energy made manifest, moving through time and space. Learning how to do that skillfully makes one a great yogi and/or a great dancer.
Tell me about Embodied Philosophy. What is the philosophy of yoga?
Life exists in a natural state of fullness. This flow of life and everything in it is made of consciousness and energy, and it is beauty and abundance. When we practice yoga, we are trying to tune in to that awake, aware reality. By aligning ourselves with that divine consciousness and energy, we experience the fullness of our own being.
This philosophy of the Self, has been explored and examined throughout the world’s wisdom traditions. Embodied philosophy was born out of the desire to share these systems and practices with the modern world.
Where do you go or what do you do to get inspired as a yogi?
I’m always reading. Poetry, art, and music are some of my greatest inspirations. I chant mantras and meditate. I try and connect with Beauty every single day, even if it’s not pretty. I share this heartfelt process with my students. My yoga classes are a celebration of whatever beauty and abundance that I find.
Do you have a favorite “cool” NYC spot that you wish more people knew about?
Friday night, my friend Richard Cortez and his jazz band play at Metropolitan bar in Williamsburg. They have a really magical back yard and it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening.